Needle reload device for use with endostitch device

ABSTRACT

A needle reload device includes a loading assembly including a needle holder pulley and a needle release arm. The needle holder pulley includes a base including first and second portions configured to receive a needle. The needle release arm is transitionable between an engaged state, in which the needle release arm engages the needle holder pulley to inhibit rotation of the needle holder pulley, and a disengaged state, in which the needle release arm is disengaged from the needle holder pulley such that the needle holder pulley is rotatable. When the needle release arm is in the engaged state, the first portion of the needle holder pulley is positioned between jaws of a stitching device, and when the needle release arm is in the disengage state, the second portion of the base of the needle holder pulley is positioned between the jaws.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/714,781 filed Aug. 6, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to devices for suturing or stitching and, more particularly, to a needle reload device for endoscopic suturing and/or stitching through an access tube or the like.

Background

One of the advances in recent years to reduce the invasiveness of surgical procedures is endoscopic surgery. Generally, endoscopic surgery involves incising through body walls. Typically, trocars are utilized for creating the incisions through which the endoscopic surgery is performed. Trocar tubes or cannula devices are extended into and left in place in the abdominal wall to provide access for endoscopic surgical tools. A camera or endoscope is inserted through a relatively large diameter trocar tube which is generally located at the naval incision, and permits the visual inspection and magnification of the body cavity. The surgeon can then perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures at the surgical site with the aid of specialized instrumentation, such as, forceps, cutters, applicators, and the like which are designed to fit through additional cannulas.

In many surgical procedures, including those involved in endoscopic surgery, it is often necessary to suture bodily organs or tissue. Suturing requires loading or unloading needles to endoscopic suturing or stitching devices. Accordingly, a need exists for simple and effective method and apparatus for loading or unloading needles to or from endoscopic suturing or stitching devices.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes a needle reload device for use with an endoscopic stitching device that demonstrates a practical approach to meeting the performance requirements and overcoming usability challenges associated with reloading suture needles to the endoscopic stitching device. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a needle reload device for use with an endoscopic stitching device including a base portion and a loading assembly. The base portion includes a tool receiving portion configured to receive a tool assembly of the endoscopic stitching device. The loading assembly is disposed within the base portion. The loading assembly includes a needle holder pulley rotatably supported with the base portion, and a needle release arm. The needle holder pulley includes a base including first and second portions configured to detachably receive a suture needle. The needle release arm is transitionable between an engaged state, in which, the needle release arm engages the needle holder pulley to inhibit rotation of the needle holder pulley, and a disengaged state, in which, the needle release arm is disengaged from the needle holder pulley such that the needle holder pulley is rotatable. When the needle release arm is in the engaged state, the first portion of the needle holder pulley is positioned between jaws of the tool assembly of the endoscopic stitching device disposed in the tool receiving portion of the base portion, and when the needle release arm is in the disengage state, the second portion of the base of the needle holder pulley is positioned between the jaws of the tool assembly disposed in the tool receiving portion of the base portion.

In an embodiment, the needle holder pulley may include an axle rotatably supported in the base portion. The base of the needle holder pulley may extend radially outward from the axle for concomitant rotation therewith.

In another embodiment, the first and second portions of the base of the needle holder pulley may define respective first and second slits dimensioned to detachably receive the suture needle.

In yet another embodiment, the base portion may include a central guide positioned to limit axial displacement of the jaws of the tool assembly when the jaws are received in the tool receiving portion of the base portion.

In still yet another embodiment, the base of the needle holder pulley may be axially aligned with the central guide of the base portion.

In still yet another embodiment, the needle release arm of the loading assembly may include a sliding portion defining an arc. The base portion may define a groove corresponding to the arc of the sliding portion of the needle release arm.

In still yet another embodiment, the arc defined by the sliding portion of the needle release arm may correspond to an arc defined by the jaws of the tool assembly when the jaws are transitioned between open and closed positions.

In an embodiment, the sliding portion of the needle release arm of the loading assembly may include a stop configured to engage the needle holder pulley to inhibit rotation of the needle holder pulley, and may define a notch dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the needle holder pulley therethrough to enable rotation of the base of the needle holder pulley.

In another embodiment, the needle release arm may include a tongue configured to engage one of the jaws such that when the jaws transition from a closed position to an open position, the one of the jaws causes the tongue to slide transversely outward.

In yet another embodiment, the loading assembly may further include a biasing member coupled to the base portion and the needle holder pulley such that the needle holder pulley is biased to place the second portion of the base between the jaws when the needle release arm is in the disengaged state.

In yet another embodiment, the base portion may further include a spool receiving portion configured to receive a spool wound with a suture.

In still yet another embodiment, the base portion may further include an engaging portion including side walls defining a groove therebetween. The groove may be dimensioned to receive at least a portion of an elongate shaft assembly of the endoscopic stitching device.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a suturing kit including an endoscopic stitching device and a needle reload device. The endoscopic stitching device includes an elongate shaft assembly including a tool assembly having first and second jaws transitionable between open and closed positions. The needle reload device includes a base portion including a tool receiving portion configured to receive the tool assembly of the endoscopic stitching device and a loading assembly disposed within the base portion. The loading assembly includes a needle holder pulley rotatably supported with the base portion, and a needle release arm. The needle holder pulley includes a base including first and second portions configured to detachably receive a suture needle. The needle release arm is transitionable between an engaged state, in which the needle release arm engages the needle holder pulley to inhibit rotation of the needle holder pulley, and a disengaged state, in which the needle holder pulley is rotatable. When the needle release arm is in the engaged state, the first portion of the needle holder pulley is positioned between the first and second jaws of the tool assembly of the endoscopic stitching device, and when the needle release arm is in the disengage state, the second portion of the base of the needle holder pulley is positioned between the first and second jaws of the tool assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing objects, features and advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent from a reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a needle reload device for use with an endoscopic stitching device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partial top view of an elongate shaft assembly of the endoscopic stitching device;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the elongate shaft assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a partial, longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tool assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view, with parts separated, of the needle reload device of FIG. 1 and a tool assembly of FIG. 2; and

FIGS. 6 and 7 are side cross-sectional views of the needle reload device and the tool assembly of FIG. 5 illustrating use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein, the term “distal,” as is conventional, will refer to that portion of the instrument, apparatus, device or component thereof which is farther from the user while, the term “proximal,” will refer to that portion of the instrument, apparatus, device or component thereof which is closer to the user. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.

With reference to FIG. 1, a needle reload device for use with a stitching device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally as a needle reload device 200. The needle reload device 200 is adapted to be particularly useful in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures, wherein an endoscopic portion of the stitching device such as, e.g., a tool assembly 120 (FIG. 2), is insertable into an operative site, via a cannula assembly or the like (not shown). In particular, the needle reload device 200 is configured to facilitate swapping of a used needle 104 (FIG. 6) with a new needle 105 (FIG. 6). The stitching device may include a handle assembly (not shown) and an elongate shaft assembly 170 (FIG. 3) extending distally from the handle assembly and including the tool assembly 120. It is contemplated that the needle reload device 200 may be used with a powered endoscopic stitching device including a powered handle assembly electro-mechanically actuating the tool assembly 120, or an endoscopic stitching device including a manually operated handle assembly mechanically actuating the tool assembly 120.

With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the tool assembly 120 of the endoscopic stitching device includes a support member 122 and jaws 130, 132 pivotably mounted on the support member 122 by means of a jaw pivot pin 134. To move the jaws 130, 132 between an open position and a closed position, the main rod 156 is operatively coupled to the jaws 130, 132. In particular, the main rod 156 has a camming pin 138 mounted at a distal end 156 a thereof. The camming pin 138 rides in angled camming slots 130 c, 132 c defined in the respective jaws 130, 132 such that axial or longitudinal movement of the main rod 156 causes the jaws 130, 132 to be cammed between open and closed positions. The main rod 156 may be provided with, e.g., biasing members in the form of a return spring, to bias the main rod 156 toward an initial position, in which, e.g., the jaws 130, 132 are in the open position.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the tool assembly 120 further includes a pair of needle engaging members or blades 150, 152 which are slidably supported within the support member 122. Each blade 150, 152 includes a distal end 150 a or 152 a slidably extending into a blade receiving channel 130 d or 132 d of the corresponding jaw 130 or 132, and a proximal end 150 b or 152 b operatively coupled to a corresponding first or second blade drive member 480 or 482 extending through the elongate shaft assembly 170 and operatively coupled to the handle assembly 200. The first and second blade drive members 480, 482 are coupled with the respective blades 150, 152, such that reciprocating axial displacement of the first and second blade drive members 480, 482 provides reciprocating axial displacement of the blades 150, 152, enabling swapping of a needle 104 between the jaws 130, 132.

With particular reference to FIG. 4, the blade receiving channels 130 d, 132 d are dimensioned to at least partially intersect needle recesses 130 a, 132 a. Thus, by advancing the blade 150 or 152 within the corresponding blade receiving channel 130 d or 132 d, the distal end 150 a or 152 a of the corresponding blade 150 or 152 engages or “locks in” a groove 104 a formed in the needle 104 when at least a portion of the needle 104 is received within the corresponding recess 130 a or 132 a. A suture (not shown) may be secured to the needle 104. The suture may include a plurality of barbs oriented to resist movement in a direction opposite to the direction of travel.

The stitching device is transitionable between a suture mode and a reload mode. In the suture mode, the first and second jaws 130, 132 are in the open position and the needle 104 is loaded and held in one jaw 130 or 132. The first and second jaws 130, 132 may be positioned about or over a target tissue and an actuation switch or a manual trigger may be actuated or squeezed to approximate the first and second jaws 130, 132. As the first and second jaws 130, 132 are approximated, the exposed end of the needle 104 is penetrated through the target tissue and enters opposed jaw 130 or 132. In order to perform suturing, the needle 104 is swapped between the first and second jaws 130, 132 through reciprocating axial displacement of the first and second blade drive members 480, 482 in opposite directions. As a result, the first and second blade drive members 480, 482 are axially displaced in opposite directions, which, in turn, causes reciprocating axial displacement of the blades 150, 152 of the tool assembly 120. In so doing, the needle 104 is swapped from one blade 150 or 152 to the other blade 150 or 152 when the actuation switch or the manual trigger is released, whereby the needle 104 is loaded or held in the other jaw 130 or 132.

In the reload mode, a loading or unloading of the needle 104 into or from one of the first and second jaws 130, 132 may be performed. Specifically, the clinician may press a needle reload switch, which retracts both blades 150, 152 such that notches formed in respective blades 150, 152 are aligned with or in registration with the respective needle recesses 130 a, 132 a defined in the respective first and second jaws 130, 132. With the notches of the blades 150, 152 aligned with or in registration with the respective needle recesses 130 a, 132 a, the needle 104 may be loaded into a selected one needle recess 130 a, 132 a of the first and second jaws 130, 132 or unloaded from the needle recesses 130 a, 132 of the first and second jaws 130, 132. Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 8,628,545, entitled “Endoscopic Stitching Devices,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, for a detailed description of the construction and operation of a tool assembly.

With reference now to FIG. 5, the needle reload device 200 includes a base portion 210, a loading assembly 250 operatively disposed within the base portion 210, and a cover 290 in superposed relation with the base portion 210. The base portion 210 includes an engaging portion 220, a tool receiving portion 230 extending distally from the engaging portion 220, and a spool receiving portion 240 extending distally from the tool receiving portion 230. The engaging portion 220 defines a groove 226 dimensioned to guide and receive at least a portion of the elongate shaft assembly 170. In particular, the engaging portion 220 may further include a boss 222 (FIG. 1) configured to engage a bore (not shown) defined in the elongate shaft assembly 170 in order to align and further enhance securement of the elongate shaft assembly 170 to the base portion 210. The engaging portion 220 may further include side walls 224 to further facilitate insertion of at least a portion of the elongate shaft assembly 170 therebetween.

The tool receiving portion 230 is configured to receive the tool assembly 120 of the elongate shaft assembly 170. The tool receiving portion 230 includes peripheral guides 232 dimensioned to receive first and second jaws 130, 132 of the tool assembly 120 therebetween. The peripheral guides 232 define an arc extending transversely outward with respect to a longitudinal axis “X-X” defined by the base portion 210. In particular, the tool receiving portion 230 may be proximally tapered corresponding to an arc defined by the first and second jaws 130, 1320 when the first and second jaws 130, 132 are transitioned between the closed and open positions.

With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the tool receiving portion 230 is configured to receive the loading assembly 250 therein. In particular, the tool receiving portion 230 includes rotation supports 234 configured to rotatably support a needle holder pulley 252 of the loading assembly 250. The tool receiving portion 230 further includes a groove 236 configured to slidably receive at least a portion of a needle release arm 256 of the loading assembly 250. In particular, the needle release arm 256 includes a sliding portion 257 slidably disposed in the groove 236 defining an arc or having an arcuate shape. The tool receiving portion 230 further includes a central guide 238 configured to limit axial displacement of the first and second jaws 130, 132 when the first and second jaws 130, 132 are received in the tool receiving portion 230. To this end, the central guide 238 is interposed between the first and second jaws 130, 132 when the first and second jaws 130, 132 are received in the tool receiving portion 230.

With particular reference to FIG. 5, the spool receiving portion 240 includes an annular wall 242 defining a cavity 244 therein. The spool receiving portion 240 includes a core 246 including a plurality of circumferentially arranged resilient fingers 246 a configured to rotatably support an annular suture spool 270 including suture (not shown).

With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the needle reload device 200 is configured to automate the process of swapping the used needle 104 with the new needle 105. To this end, the needle reload device 200 includes the loading assembly 250. The loading assembly 250 includes the needle holder pulley 252, a biasing member 254, and the needle release arm 256 selectively engageable with the needle holder pulley 252. In particular, the needle holder pulley 252 includes an axle 262 rotatably supported on the rotation supports 234 of the tool receiving portion 230 of the base portion 210. The needle holder pulley 252 further includes a base 260 having, e.g., an arcuate, shape. The base 260 extends radially outward from the axle 262 for concomitant rotation therewith. The base 260 includes first and second slits 266 a, 266 b dimensioned to receive the respective needles 104, 105. The needle holder pulley 252 is rotatable about an axis defined by the axle 262 such that as the base 260 rotates, orientation or position of the first and second slits 266 a, 266 b changes relative to the tool receiving portion 230 or the first and second jaws 130, 132 disposed in the tool receiving portion 230. In this manner, based on the rotation of the axle 262 or the base 260, the first and second jaws 130, 132 of the tool assembly 120 may selectively engage the first and second slits 266 a, 266 b (FIG. 6), as will be discussed below.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the needle release arm 256 of the loading assembly 250 includes a sliding portion 257 slidably disposed in the groove 236 of the base portion 210. The groove 236 may define an arc configured to enable sliding movement of the sliding portion 257 defining a corresponding arc. In particular, the arc defined by the groove 236 and the sliding portion 257 corresponds to the arc defined by the first and second jaws 130, 132 of the tool assembly 120, when the first and second jaws 130, 132 transition between the closed and open positions. The needle release arm 256 further includes a tongue 258 configured to engage the second jaw 132 when the first and second jaws 130, 132 transition from the closed position to the open position. The second jaw 132 engages the tongue 258 and imparts transversely outward movement to the tongue 258, which, in turn, causes concomitant sliding of the sliding portion 257.

The sliding portion 257 of the needle release arm 256 includes a stop portion 257 a and defines a notch 257 b. Under such a configuration, based on the position of the needle release arm 256, the base 260 of the needle holder pulley 252 may engage the stop portion 257 a of the needle release arm 256, which inhibits rotation of the base 260. However, the needle release arm 256 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the base 260 rotates through the notch 257 b defined in the sliding portion 257 of the needle release arm 256, thereby enabling rotation of the base 260 of the needle holder pulley 252, which, in turn, causes the base 260 to align the second slit 266 b holding the new needle 105 (FIG. 7) between the first and second jaws 130, 132 disposed in the tool receiving portion 230. In addition, such a movement is facilitated by a biasing member 254.

With particular reference to FIG. 6, a first end 254 a of the biasing member 254 is affixed to the base portion 210 and a second end 254 b of the biasing member 254 is affixed to the base 260 of the needle holder pulley 252 such that the needle holder pulley 252 is biased to rotate when at least a portion of the base 260 of the needle holder pulley 252 extends through the notch 257 b (FIG. 5) of the sliding portion 257. Under such a configuration, the new needle 105 is positioned between the first and second jaws 130, 132.

The used needle 104 held between the first and second jaws 130, 132 may be received in the first slit 266 a defined in the base 260 of the needle holder pulley 252 by placing the closed first and second jaws 130, 132 in the tool receiving portion 230 and placing the used needle 104 in the first slit 266 a defined in the base 260 of the needle holder pulley 252. At this time, the base 260 of the needle holder pulley 252 engages the stop portion 257 a of the needle release arm 256. After the used needle 104 is received in the first slit 266 a, the first and second jaws 130, 132 may transition from the closed position to the open position to slide the tongue 258 (FIG. 5) of the needle release arm 256 radially outward, which, in turn, slides the sliding portion 257 transversely outward such that at least a portion of the base 260 of the needle holder pulley 252 rotates through the notch 257 b (FIG. 5) defined in the sliding portion 257 of the needle release arm 256. Such a rotation positions the new needle 105 between the first and second jaws 130, 132, and displaces the used needle 104 received in the first slit 266 a away from the first and second jaws 130, 132.

With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, in use, after suturing the target tissue, the needle 104 may need to be replaced or removed. To this end, the stitching device is first transitioned to the reload mode by positioning both of the blades 150, 152 (FIG. 3) of the tool assembly 120 in a distal-most position. In this manner, notches (not shown) formed in respective blades 150, 152 are aligned with or in registration with the respective needle recesses 130 a, 132 a (FIG. 4) defined in the respective first and second jaws 130, 132. With the notches of the blades 150, 152 aligned with or in registration with the respective needle recesses 130 a, 132 a of respective first and second jaws 130, 132, the needle 104 is secured with the first and second jaws 130,132. At this time, the first and second jaws 130, 132 are in the closed configuration. The tool assembly 120 is inserted in the tool receiving portion 230 of the base portion 210 of the needle reload device 200, and the elongate shaft assembly 170 is positioned in the engaging portion 220. At this time, the used needle 104 is received in the first slit 266 a of the base 260 of the needle holder pulley 252. Thereafter, the first and second jaws 130, 132 are transitions to the open position, at which time, the second jaw 132 engages the tongue 258 (FIG. 5) of the needle release arm 256 and slidably moves the needle release arm 256 transversely outward along the arc.

In this manner, at least a portion of the base 260 (FIG. 5) of the needle holder pulley 252 extends through the notch 257 b (FIG. 5) defined in the needle release arm 256, which in turn, causes the base 260 to rotate about the axis defined by the axle 262. Such a rotation of the base 260 places the new needle 105 in position to be received by the first and second jaws 130, 132. At this time, the first and second jaws 130, 132 may be transitioned to the closed position to receive the new needle 105 in the first and second jaws 130, 132. Upon loading the new needle 105 to the first and second jaws 130, 132, the tool assembly 120 may be removed from the needle reload device 200 and the clinician may continue to suture the target tissue.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the structures and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying figures are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the description, disclosure, and figures should be construed merely as exemplary of particular embodiments. It is to be understood, therefore, that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise embodiments described, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.

Additionally, the elements and features shown or described in connection with certain embodiments may be combined with the elements and features of certain other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that such modifications and variations are also included within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A needle reload device for use with an endoscopic stitching device comprising: a base portion including a tool receiving portion configured to receive a tool assembly of the endoscopic stitching device; and a loading assembly disposed within the base portion, the loading assembly including: a needle holder pulley rotatably supported with the base portion, the needle holder pulley including a base including first and second portions configured to detachably receive a suture needle; and a needle release arm transitionable between an engaged state, in which, the needle release arm engages the needle holder pulley to inhibit rotation of the needle holder pulley, and a disengaged state, in which, the needle release arm is disengaged from the needle holder pulley such that the needle holder pulley is rotatable, wherein when the needle release arm is in the engaged state, the first portion of the needle holder pulley is positioned between jaws of the tool assembly of the endoscopic stitching device disposed in the tool receiving portion of the base portion, and when the needle release arm is in the disengage state, the second portion of the base of the needle holder pulley is positioned between the jaws of the tool assembly disposed in the tool receiving portion of the base portion.
 2. The needle reload device according to claim 1, wherein the needle holder pulley includes an axle rotatably supported in the base portion, the base of the needle holder pulley extending radially outward from the axle for concomitant rotation therewith.
 3. The needle reload device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second portions of the base of the needle holder pulley define respective first and second slits dimensioned to detachably receive the suture needle.
 4. The needle reload device according to claim 2, wherein the base portion includes a central guide positioned to limit axial displacement of the jaws of the tool assembly when the jaws are received in the tool receiving portion of the base portion.
 5. The needle reload device according to claim 4, wherein the base of the needle holder pulley is axially aligned with the central guide of the base portion.
 6. The needle reload device according to claim 1, wherein the needle release arm of the loading assembly includes a sliding portion defining an arc, the base portion defining a groove corresponding to the arc of the sliding portion of the needle release arm.
 7. The needle reload device according to claim 6, wherein the arc defined by the sliding portion of the needle release arm corresponds to an arc defined by the jaws of the tool assembly when the jaws are transitioned between open and closed positions.
 8. The needle reload device according to claim 6, wherein the sliding portion of the needle release arm of the loading assembly includes a stop configured to engage the needle holder pulley to inhibit rotation of the needle holder pulley, and defines a notch dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the needle holder pulley therethrough to enable rotation of the base of the needle holder pulley.
 9. The needle reload device according to claim 1, wherein the needle release arm includes a tongue configured to engage one of the jaws such that when the jaws transition from a closed position to an open position, the one of the jaws causes the tongue to slide transversely outward.
 10. The needle reload device according to claim 1, wherein the loading assembly further includes a biasing member coupled to the base portion and the needle holder pulley such that the needle holder pulley is biased to place the second portion of the base between the jaws when the needle release arm is in the disengaged state.
 11. The needle reload device according to claim 1, wherein the base portion further includes a spool receiving portion configured to receive a spool wound with a suture.
 12. The needle reload device according to claim 1, wherein the base portion further includes an engaging portion including side walls defining a groove therebetween, the groove dimensioned to receive at least a portion of an elongate shaft assembly of the endoscopic stitching device.
 13. A suturing kit comprising: an endoscopic stitching device including an elongate shaft assembly including a tool assembly having first and second jaws transitionable between open and closed positions; and a needle reload device including: a base portion including a tool receiving portion configured to receive the tool assembly of the endoscopic stitching device; and a loading assembly disposed within the base portion, the loading assembly including: a needle holder pulley rotatably supported with the base portion, the needle holder pulley including a base including first and second portions configured to detachably receive a suture needle; and a needle release arm transitionable between an engaged state, in which, the needle release arm engages the needle holder pulley to inhibit rotation of the needle holder pulley, and a disengaged state, in which, the needle holder pulley is rotatable, wherein when the needle release arm is in the engaged state, the first portion of the needle holder pulley is positioned between the first and second jaws of the tool assembly of the endoscopic stitching device, and when the needle release arm is in the disengage state, the second portion of the base of the needle holder pulley is positioned between the first and second jaws of the tool assembly.
 14. The suturing kit according to claim 13, wherein the loading assembly further includes a biasing member coupled to the base portion and the needle holder pulley such that the needle holder pulley is biased to place the second portion of the base of the needle holder pulley between the first and second jaws when the needle release arm is in the disengaged state.
 15. The suturing kit according to claim 13, wherein the needle holder pulley includes an axle rotatably supported in the base portion, the base of the needle holder pulley extending radially outward from the axle for concomitant rotation therewith.
 16. The suturing kit according to claim 13, wherein first and second portions of the base of the needle holder pulley define respective first and second slits dimensioned to detachably receive the suture needle.
 17. The suturing kit according to claim 13, wherein the needle release arm of the loading assembly includes a sliding portion defining an arc, the base portion defining a groove corresponding to the arc of the sliding portion of the needle release arm.
 18. The suturing kit according to claim 17, wherein the arc defined by sliding portion of the needle release arm corresponds to an arc defined by the first and second jaws of the tool assembly when the first and second jaws are transitioned between the open and closed positions.
 19. The suturing kit according to claim 17, wherein the sliding portion of the needle release arm of the loading assembly includes a stop configured to engage the needle holder pulley to inhibit rotation of the needle holder pulley, and defines a notch dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the needle holder pulley therethrough to enable rotation of the base of the needle holder pulley.
 20. The suturing kit according to claim 13, wherein the needle release arm includes a tongue configure to engage the first jaw such that when the first and second jaws transition from the closed position to the open position, the first jaw causes the tongue to slide transversely outward. 